myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

We are going to Tobago the first week of June. We've read about Sunday School, and since we have an interest in steel bands, we'd like to go for the first couple of hours. Somewhere I read that you should go in a group, but there will just be the two of us (late-middle aged couple). Is that a problem? Is safety an issue? Thanks for the help.

Sally

I've never heard of any problems and been there many, many times myself. Its always an enjoyable experience and to be frank, the locals would be the first to step in and stop any nonsense. However, pick-pockets can be a problem, so play safe and don't carry more than the few dollars you will need. As in any similar situation "crowd" situation anywhere in the world, common sense is the rule. Leave fancy jewellery and watches at your hotel as a precaution, but as I say, this is advice I would give anywhere and not specific to Sunday School. Other than that, simply relax and enjoy.

Sally,
I am 60 yo and have been to Sunday School many,many times and have had absolutely no problems.In fact being a 'budding senior'has its advantages such as getting served at the bar/bbq or whatever.If you are going by taxi book your return trip on arrival.
Enjoy it,wine and lime with the best of them!!!!!!
Regards have a great time,
David

Hi Sally

I went to Sunday School twice on my last trip to Tobago and really enjoyed it. I reiterate the advice given to you already (don't carry much money etc etc), but also want to add: 'don't drink too much'! The toilets were FOUL - the worst I came across all holiday (the loos on the island are generally fine!) and I spent both evenings crossing my legs! If we do manage to go this time, I will try to avoid going at all!

Last time I went, I was considerably younger and less weathered than I am now and myself and the other girls in our group did invariably attract a bit of attention, but no more than in any other country, or in any nightclub in this country. There's no trouble, and it's all very friendly, with and great mix of ages and personalities.

Enjoy!

Rachel

Hi Sally,

Agree with most that has been said. Great fun experience and generally we felt perfectly safe and comfortable. You are bound to get some attention from the odd slightly worse for wear local, but those serving drinks or food will quickly make sure you are not disturbed in any way. It affects their business, if there is any hassle.

We enjoyed good food, very strong rum punch and lively music.

Same precautions as anywhere apply and agree book a taxi home and go at that time, even if you want to boogie on. Saves problems later.

Also a concern for some, but not for us, do not be afraid of any of the local dogs and strays that hover, because they are hungry. They are almost entirely non aggressive and gentle mouthed.
Have fun
regards
James

Hi All

Yes Sunday School is very safe - far safer than Notting Hill or most european street festivals, and likely to be fewer pickpockets to boot.

A couple of must nots to add:

1. Do not pick up, or be picked up by, locals selling sex, of either gender - unless you wish to risk an STD or worse, or wish to be robbed/fleeced. Sadly, not all prostitutes or gigolos are "tarts with a heart", and many have unsavoury friends. Many will not overtly ask for money either, until the morning (and I write this from THIRD PARTY experience!!!;

2. Tobago suffers from occasional tourist robberies, although far fewer than I believe occurs in Barbados, from what I have heard from Barbados converts. Burglars/robbers usually plan their attack for the last night of visitors stay, so that the victims are not around to give evidence - do not tell anyone where you are staying, and if asked in gentle chat how long you are staying for, to avoid appearing rude simply give an exagerrated answer. Most locals are totally harmless, but will you be able to tell the difference?

But, remember that Tobago is still safe and there are major new initiatives afoot to stop the island from sinking into a criminal's paradise - wages are low, and envy naturally exists.

Enjoy the fun

I have just spent 3 weeks in Tobago with my family (3 children ages 15, 13 and 10). We went to Sunday school at Buccoo 2 times, and enjoyed the shopping and music. I felt safe, but of course, would watch my children as you would in any crowd situation. (and it wasn't really that busy).

Roger Houle

Hi,
Just returned from an enjoyable stay in Tobago which was unfortunately marred by the fact that someone tried to mug me at Sunday school.
It happened in some toilets just off the main street (behind where a large steel band where playing early on). The toilets were very dark and in hindsight I think that the situation was perfect for a mugging.
A man grabbed me from behind, we scuffled on the floor for a while but fortunately he seemed to be a bit of an amatuer and ran off empty handed!
I asked our taxi driver on the way back of what had happened and if there was anything I could do and they just mumbled something about 'he's probably from trinidad' and as I hadnt really seen the assailants face that there wasnt a lot I could do.
So all you potential Sunday schoolers, STAY SAFE!
G

Hope you are ok after your fright.

Sadly talking to a couple of people on the island recently it does seem that the consensus of opinion is that it is not the islanders but small groups flying over from Trinidad for a day then flying back. The islanders hate this as much as the tourists do. Saying all that I have never felt threatened on the island and indeed go out a lot by myself when overthere and if I feel slightly intemidated I go and talk to a group of locals standing about and once you make friends (very quickly) they keep a good look out for you.

Sadly, what you say is so correct, Sharon. It has long been known that Trinis come over on the ferry for a day of petty crime on Tobago. Sadly, Trinidad is an increasingly violent place and Tobago is suffering the effects. However, I understand that further controls are planned which will hopefully prevent the problem increasing. An awful lot more could be done by locals - they know and recognise "outsiders" and as you say, they hate the situation as much as visitors. No consolation to Ronnie, of course, but at least he seems to be able to handle himself.